Although a certain part of the comic book fandom will always try to pit James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU (DC Universe) against each other. the now defunct DCEU Mainly directed by Zack Snyder (DC Extended Universe), Gunn and Snyder have a pretty friendly relationship. Gunn, who directed “Suicide Squad” and is set to kick off the live-action installment of the DCU with “Superman” in 2025, actually asked Snyder for some advice on Superman's costume, which is pretty cool. important because it is generally the most visually recognizable element of any Superman film. People are also wildly protective of what Superman looks like based on their vision of Last Son of Krypton, which is probably why Gunn's upcoming film will feature David Korenswet as Superman for the first time. caused a heated debate among fans.
While Gunn's somewhat nonchalant approach to superhero cinema seems a far cry from Snyder's more grounded, gritty approach, they both have an obvious love for the comics and characters they adapt, so it's no surprise that Gunn would turn to him. Superman's predecessor as a film director for a little help. in an interview with Screen shortGunn shared a fun story about his discussion with Snyder about the hardest part of the costume to make it look cool: Superman's trunks.
Snyder and Gunn went back and forth on trunks
In the interview, Gunn explained that he “really went back and forth” on whether to include Supes' red outer underwear with Corenswet and costume designer Juliana Makovsky, even reaching out to the director of “Man of Steel” and “Justice League.” for help. He told Screen Brief:
“I even talked to Zack Snyder about it. He said, 'I've tried like a billion versions of the trunks and I never got there.' And I said, 'I see how it is.' I went on and walked in, it's so colorful, and I'm like, 'God,' I don't know, how do you feel? He's like, 'I love it.'
Snyder indeed tried to stay original to the comics With his take on Superman and including the classic red underpants on the outside of the suit, but he just found it impossible to make them work in a darker, more nihilistic version of things. This means that the Snyderverse Superman suits have a more flashy design without the torso, pants, or any other red fabric along the body. Some fans I really love the look of a more “grown up” Superman with no torsobut right? I am with Corenswet.
A Superman costume that makes you feel safe
In the end, Gunn decided to keep the trunks as he explained why Corenswet loved them and the bright colors. “Yeah, he's an alien from outer space who's very powerful and doesn't want kids to be afraid of him,” the actor told Gunn. It inspired Gunn turned this idea into a costume design directiveand the result is a Superman costume designed to make people, especially children, feel safe and comfortable. The DCEU costumes certainly looked cool, but they also sometimes felt aimed at an older audience in a way that didn't fit the character. After all, there's very little difference between Superman's outfits and Homelander's from The Boys, even though they're wildly different characters, because the focus is more on looking miserable than hopeful and comfortable.
When I was younger, I thought Superman was kind of cool, and it wasn't for me, but honestly, Superman should do feel a little confused. He's a farm-raised alien who wants to make the world a better place. Supes is cute, serious, and kind, and his costume should reflect all of that. Corenswet's suit is reminiscent of the suits of old and incorporates some new elements (with a big New 52 influence), resulting in a Superman suit that feels almost timeless. It's as colorful as the Golden Age of comics, but updated for more modern sensibilities, and honestly? These rules.
